The Red Fort Delhi, India, is a historic marvel showcasing Mughal architecture’s grandeur. Open to visitors, it offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India. Red Fort timings are 09:30 am to 04:30 pm. Monday is a holiday.
Additionally, the Red Fort hosts a mesmerizing Sound and Light Show in the evenings, narrating the captivating history of Delhi and the Fort itself.
About the Red Fort Delhi:
Contents
- 1 About the Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.1 History of Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.2 Red Fort Delhi Architecture:
- 1.0.3 Red Fort Delhi Significance:
- 1.0.4 Red Fort Delhi Timings:
- 1.0.5 Best Time to Visit Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.6 Red Fort Delhi Entry Fee:
- 1.0.7 Time to Cover Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.8 Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show :
- 1.0.9 Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show Ticket Cost:
- 1.0.10 Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show Timings:
- 1.0.11 Four Features of Red Fort:
- 1.0.12 Facilities at Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.13 Tips for Visiting Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.14 Tourist places near Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.15 Hotels near Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.16 Restaurants near Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.17 Red Fort Delhi Contact Details:
- 1.0.18 How to Reach Red Fort Delhi:
- 1.0.19 FAQs:
- 1.0.19.1 What is Red Fort Delhi famous for?
- 1.0.19.2 Can I visit the Red Fort during the monsoon season?
- 1.0.19.3 How much time is enough for Red Fort?
- 1.0.19.4 Are there parking facilities available near the Red Fort?
- 1.0.19.5 What kind of activities took place in Red Fort?
- 1.0.19.6 Is the Red Fort crowded during weekends and holidays?
- 1.0.19.7 Are mobile phones allowed in Red Fort?
Red Fort Spread over 256 acres overlooking the Yamuna with its massive enclosing walls. It is rained in red and has stood the test of time and anti-colonial defiance.
Red Fort or Lal Qila represents the cultural, political and architectural majesty of the Mughal Empire, inking the Indian historical landscape with rich, sundry hues.
History of Red Fort Delhi:
The Red Fort came to being after Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra and left his residence at the Agra Fort. He constructed a new walled city – Shahjahanbad, naming it after himself and built a new residence, the Red Fort.
It took a decade to complete the Red Fort, which served as a residence to the Mughal rulers for nearly 200 years. The chief architect of the Red Fort was Ustad Ahmed Lahauri, who started the construction in 1638 and completed it in 1648.
The red in the Red Fort was always absent. Many must learn that the British painted the tower red only after the limestone from which the building had originally built started to chip off.
The name Red Fort finds its roots in the British era after they painted it in red to preserve it and thus rechristened it Red Fort, which then had its translation to Lal Qila among the land of the people.
With the passing away of Shah Jahan, the fate of the Fort started to plummet as well. The successive rulers were defenceless against the following rampages and pillage.
The Turk ruler Nadir Shah attacked the Fort in 1739. The last Mughal ruler to have lived in the Red Fort was Bahadur Shah Zafar, whose rule wasn’t so significant, and the title was merely titular.
Later, when the British seized power and control, he was exiled to Burma, now known as Myanmar. And that was the end of the Mughal dynasty.
Red Fort Delhi Architecture:
Standing proud on 250 acres, the Red Fort boasts over 2 km of defensive walls adorned by bastions and turrets. The Fort resembles an octagon decorated with marble, domes, and flower engravings.
The architectural, design, and colour sensibilities of the Fort set a rare specimen of the Mughal zeitgeist of the time. The Red Fort complex comprises the Red Fort and the Salimgarh Fort, built in 1546 by Islam Shah Suri.
Lahori and Delhi Gates were built for the public, whereas the Khizrabad Gate was what the emperor used. The Lahori Gate remains the main entrance to the Red Fort even today.
Red Fort Delhi Significance:
A site of protests, campaigns, and political turbulence, Red Fort was where the people marched in great numbers to show solidarity for a nation they wished to call home.
The Fort witnessed tears, sweat, and blood during the Indian freedom struggle. The day after the iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech delivered by Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the independent state addressed the vehement crowds at the Red Fort.
Prime Minister raised the Indian flag – a symbol of the newfound freedom ushering in an era of liberation, belonging, and existence. It was an era that saw India becoming the biggest equality in the world. And the tradition continues.
Every Independence Day, the existing Prime Minister delivers a speech to the waiting nation from the red rampart. The old walls of the Fort have seen it all.
Red Fort Delhi Timings:
Red Fort timings are 09:30 am to 04:30 pm. Monday is a holiday.
| Days | Timings |
| Monday | Holiday / Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
Best Time to Visit Red Fort Delhi:
The scorching heat of the national capital is quite notorious, and despite enough preventive measures, one might fall sick. Therefore, the best time to visit the place is from October to February. The weather this time remains pleasant.
Overall, October to February is a good time as the national capital is decked up owing to various festivals this time, especially Dussehra and Diwali.
Red Fort Delhi Entry Fee:
Red Fort entry fee details are here
| Tickets | Costs |
| Indians | Rs. 35 |
| Foreign Tourists | Rs. 500 |
| Video Camera | Rs. 25 |
Time to Cover Red Fort Delhi:
The minimum time to see Lal Kila Delhi is around two hours, which can even go up to 3 or 4 hours if you plan to explore every part thoroughly.
Take some time out and see this Fort at leisure with ample time to take breathtaking Lal Kila photos.
Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show :
Many tourists visit Red Fort because of its important historical relevance. Other than the red sandstone and the mighty building of medieval times, another attraction brings the tourists to the Blessed Fort – the Light and Sound Show.
The show, held every evening except Mondays, is a one-hour fest of lights and sound shows which takes place inside the premises of the Red Fort. There’s no better way to learn about the history of the Fort.
Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show Ticket Cost:
Light and Sound show ticket costs are here
| Tickets | Weekends cost | Weekdays cost |
| Adults | Rs. 80 | Rs. 60 |
| Children | Rs. 30 | Rs. 20 |
Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show Timings:
Light and Sound show timings are here
| Language | Timings |
| Hindi | 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm (May to Aug) 07:05 pm to 08:00 pm (Sep & Oct) 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm (Nov to Jan) 07:05 pm to 08:00 pm (Feb to Apr) |
| English | 09:00 pm to 10:00 pm (May to Aug) 08:30 pm to 09:30 pm (Sep & Oct) 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm (Nov to Jan) 08:30 pm to 09:30 pm (Feb to Apr) |
Four Features of Red Fort:
These two forts together form the Red Fort Complex with several attractions within it, including:
Lahori Gate:
The main entrance to the Fort
Delhi Gate:
The public entrance is at the southern end.
Chatta Chowk:
A long passageway with a bazaar
Mumtaz Mahal:
A palace that houses the Fort Archaeological Museum
Facilities at Red Fort Delhi:
Here are some facilities here
- Restrooms, drinking water fountains, and a gift store are just a few amenities the Red Fort offers guests.
- The shop sells customers souvenirs, postcards, books, and other goods.
- Additionally, guests can get refreshments in a restaurant and snack bar on the property. Visitors to Delhi must experience the Red Fort light and sound spectacle.
Tips for Visiting Red Fort Delhi:
Here are some tips for visiting the Fort
- Check the opening hours, ticket prices, and any special events or closures that may affect your visit.
- To avoid large crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- The Red Fort had spread across a vast area, so be prepared to do some walking.
- Remember to bring essential items such as sunscreen, a hat or cap, sunglasses, and a water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit.
- Respecting the site by not littering, defacing the walls, or damaging any structures is important.
- Follow the designated pathways and adhere to any guidelines or instructions provided.
Tourist places near Red Fort Delhi:
Some famous tourist places nearby Fort are here
- Jama Masjid
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Lotus Temple
- Akshardham
- Annapurna Temple
- Raj Ghat
- Lodhi Garden
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- National Rail Museum
- India Gate
Hotels near Red Fort Delhi:
Here are some hotels near Fort.
- Duke Hotel
- Aiwan E Shahi
- Hotel Arina Inn
- Hotel Green Castle
- FabHotel MGM Residency
- Hotel Beopari Niwas
- The Grand Uddhav
- Hotel Royal Afghan
- The Park New Delhi
Restaurants near Red Fort Delhi:
Here are some famous restaurants near Fort
- Cafe Delhi Heights
- Punjabi Janta Dhaba
- Lalit Restaurant
- Sohan Chicken Point
- Chand Hotel Restaurant
Red Fort Delhi Contact Details:
- Address: Red Fort Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
- Contact Numbers: 011 2327 7705, +91-1123277705
How to Reach Red Fort Delhi:
By Road:
The nearest bus stand to the Fort in Delhi is the Red Fort Bus Stop.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to the Fort in Delhi is the Old Delhi Railway Station, also known as Delhi Junction.
By Air:
The nearest airport to the Fort is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
FAQs:
What is Red Fort Delhi famous for?
The Red Fort is famous for its historical legacy, structure, and long-encompassing walls. It is also where the Prime Minister of India hoists India’s national flag every year on Independence Day.
Can I visit the Red Fort during the monsoon season?
Yes, you can visit the Red Fort during the monsoon season.
How much time is enough for Red Fort?
The Red Fort remains open six days a week, i.e. Tuesday- Sunday. On Mondays, it remains closed. An average of 2 hours can be spent at the Red Fort in Delhi.
Are there parking facilities available near the Red Fort?
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Red Fort for visitors.
What kind of activities took place in Red Fort?
The Fort was the scene of an important event associated with the Indian freedom struggle. The joint court-martial of officers of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army – Colonel Prem Sahgal, Colonel Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon and Major General Shah Nawaz Khan – was held at the Red Fort.
Is the Red Fort crowded during weekends and holidays?
Yes, the Red Fort can get crowded during weekends, public holidays, and peak tourist seasons. To avoid large crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours.
Are mobile phones allowed in Red Fort?
Yes, you can, but you cannot take photos inside the museum. You can click photos at all the spots except the museum inside the Fort.